10 ways to feel better when things suck

10. Watch a movie you love from your childhood. I know it sounds silly, but nostalgia is scientifically proven to improve mood. (Scientific American)

9. Eat something small and delicious. Even if you’re watching your weight, chances are a small treat won’t completely derail your efforts. Eating dark chocolate can even improve your cardiovascular health, and even if you don’t love chocolate, there are plenty of other foods that have benefits that you may enjoy.

8. Smile at someone for no reason. Just don’t make eye contact for more than 3 seconds or they might think you’re hitting on them. Unless you are hitting on them… That could likely help you feel better too.

7. Eat brinner. Yup, that’s breakfast for dinner! I am a firm believer in the benefit of psychosomatic reactions when they bring about positive reactions. That said, breakfast is an important meal at the beginning of the day that helps with energy levels and cognitive response. By putting that meal at the end of the day as well, you can trick your body into thinking you are starting fresh, and feel better in the process!

6. Listen to some great music. This may seem like a no brainer, but when we’re feeling low sometimes we need people to spell it out for us. Pick something fun and dance if you can. The adrenaline will help too.

5. Square breathing: breathe in for three counts, hold for three counts, breathe out for three counts, hold for three counts. Repeat. This type of breathing has a stabilizing effect on the body and mood and can help you feel calm and soothed.

4. Read the news. Or, specifically don’t read the news. This is all about perspective, and whether you’re a glass half full/glass half empty person. Either way, PERSPECTIVE.

3. Give someone you love a hug. Here’s an article from the National Institute of Health discussing how hugs and cuddles benefit yourself, and specifically how they impact oxytocin levels.

2. Pick a positive mantra, and repeat it to yourself until you genuinely believe it. I particularly like “I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness.” This is in line with #1 which is…

1. Fake it till you make it. I really enjoyed reading this blog post ‘Does the “Fake it Till You Make It” Attitude Really Work?’. The short answer for you TLDR’s is, YES. Sometimes, all it takes, is a little ‘playing pretend’ to get you to a better place.